“Some might have, but I agree. Each update would’ve caused the same disruption, so better one than many.”
Madison’s gaze swept over us and she trotted over, taking both our hands. “No hiding in the corner. Jude’s Mama Annie wants to get a family photo with all of us in it.”
We followed her into the throng, one of Jude’s sisters setting up a tripod while everyone clustered together. Our pack drew us in, slotting us front and center as the newest additions to the family. Nathan swung his arm over my shoulder. Even without the bond, his smile was infectious. We were surrounded by an unfathomable amount of love, and I was grateful Jude’s family had welcomed us so thoroughly. I had a large family who wasn’t often around, and I loved the idea of being part of this one.
The sister in charge of the camera announced the five-second countdown, hitting a button and sprinting to join the crowd.
It was only a photo, but it felt like more: a declaration that we belonged with these people, that we were siblings, children, or cousins as much as Jude was to them. I’d have to get a copy to frame and put on the wall. We needed photos with everyone’s family, and at the center, where it was meant to be, I’d hang one of our pack, too.
Madison glanced up at me as the sister went to set a fresh timer. “You okay?”
“Yes,” I breathed out the word. “More than. I’m home.”
“Sooo, are we going to discuss the other revelations from the cookout, or are we letting that all slide under the baby news?” Madison asked, staring directly at me.
We were all cuddled in the nest, the light dim, so she wouldn’t be able to see my cheeks darken, but I felt the rush of heat over them.
I’d exposed a thought I’d been holding quietly, and while everyone had reacted fine to it, I was still nervous about what it potentially meant for the future.
“I dunno about you,” Nathan said smoothly, “but I’mveryinterested in those revelations.”
I let out a nervous laugh. Nathan was good at breaking the tension, even if the relief only lasted a moment. “What exactly are we discussing?”
“Who in the pack is kissing who.” Madison leaned on my chest, cradling my cheek and brushing her thumb over my lips. “We already know who I’m kissing, and I might be selfish with you guys in general, but I’m cool if you want to be with anyone else in the pack.”
A whole squadron of butterflies took flight in my stomach.
“I honestly never gave it that much thought before. I think maybe being in the pack unlocked something for me.”
“Time for thoughts, now, then.” Nathan grinned at me, leaning his chin on Jude’s shoulder, where our beta was wrapped around Madison. “We know you want to kiss Jude. Anyone else on that list?”
I’d never been particularly shy, but the question made my lips seal themselves, the butterflies competing with my heartbeat for which I could feel more.
Jude laid his palm gently on Nathan’s face. “Don’t mind him. You take things at your own pace.”
“The pace of the pack is not very slow,” I pointed out.
Madison snuggled against my chest, her purr soft and her scent sweet, like she was doing her best to unravel my nerves around this topic. Alve joined in with his own purr, brushing Madison’s cheek with his knuckles, but letting his head rest on my shoulder. He’d been more relaxed around me since I’d offered him physical comfort at the cookout, and I wasn’t about to turn it away now.
“We could find out fast if we went old school.” Nathan laughed, his eyes gleaming.
Madison popped her head up, turning to him. “Old school how?”
“Good old-fashioned spin the bottle.” He looked so fucking delighted with himself at the suggestion that it took me a second to process the words. A hundred images of every combination of the pack danced through my brain, a surge of curiosity and desire washing over me like a wave on the shore.
“I’ve never played that before,” Alve said quietly. His breath whispered over my skin, goose bumps cascading over me, until Madison focused back on me with an intrigued gaze.
“Do you want to play?”
Five words, infinite possibilities.
“I guess that’s one way to figure things out.”
“We don’t have to if you’re not excited,” Madison reminded me.
“No, I do want to, I’m just nervous. I feel like I’m a mess inside my head right now.”
“That’s my job.” Alve laughed softly and brushed the underside of my chin with his hair as he sat up. “I don’t have too many options for bottles, but I have a nearly empty bottle of Swedish vodka from the last family visit. I imagine it’ll spin fine.”
